NUJ Kwara secretary, Ayanda calls for immediate suspension of Lanre Ahmed led SWC over gross violations

The Immediate Past Secretary, Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Kwara State Council, Comrade Omotayo Ayanda, has called for the immediate suspension of the State Working Committee (SWC) of the Kwara State Council of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) led by Abdullateef ‘Lanre Ahmed. 

The call, according to him, was rooted in the SWC numerous violations of the union’s constitution, including their shameful and unconstitutional actions against him. 

In a press conference held in Ilorin on Friday, Ayanda noted that the actions of the SWC contravene Article 7 (2vi)(d) of the NUJ Constitution, which clearly states that any aggrieved member who fails to exhaust the union’s internal mechanisms for resolving disputes shall be automatically suspended. 

He was quoted as saying, “Yet, this executive, ignoring due process, chose to petition me to the police over a news story titled: “Kwara NUJ Executive Accused of Hoarding Government’s Rice Donation to Journalists.”

The statement reads: “It is both shocking and disappointing that the leadership of the Kwara NUJ, instead of fostering unity and resolving issues internally, would hold a meeting and decide to drag a fellow member to the police. This reckless and unjustifiable action reflects either ignorance of the law or a deliberate attempt to trample on the constitution and intimidate dissenting voices.

“On Friday, 27th December 2024, I received an invitation to the Kwara State Police Command, Ilorin. To my dismay, the petition against me was filed by the very union I dedicated and belonged to. On Monday, 30th December 2024, I presented myself at the police headquarters, where I was interrogated for nearly four hours over baseless accusations.

“This ordeal was not only a violation of my rights but an assault on press freedom and an attempt to silence me. It is even more troubling that this is happening at a time when one of our members, Rowland Olonishuwa, remains imprisoned, with the union doing nothing to secure his release. Instead, they are preoccupied with witch-hunting members and silencing critical voices.

“This SWC, since its inception, has consistently breached the union’s constitution and acted above the law. The violations include but not limited to:

*1. Illegal Suspensions:* The unwarranted suspension of Fadeyi Babajide, Saka Laaro, and Dare Akogun, pronounced by Abdullateef ‘Lanre Ahmed at a congress and their subsequent removal from the NUJ WhatsApp platform without due process.

*2. Censorship and Intimidation:* The indiscriminate removal of members from the NUJ WhatsApp platform, deletion of posts critical of the Union, and silencing of dissenting voices.

*3. Discrimination:* Qualified members who paid their check-off dues and professional fees were denied membership rights and benefits, while unqualified individuals were admitted into the union.

*4. Exclusion:* Preventing qualified members from attending congresses and appointing unqualified individuals to executive positions.

*5. Illegal Actions:* Recently, the SWC constituted an illegal committee to audit the accounts of the State Information Chapel, further demonstrating their disregard for due process.

“Having violated the NUJ Constitution on multiple occasions, expecially Article 7 (2vi)(d), the SWC stands automatically suspended. I hereby call on the State Executive Council (SEC) to assume leadership of the union in Kwara State pending their reinstatement.

“Enough is enough. We must rise as members of the Kwara State NUJ to restore sanity, integrity, and order to our union. The union belongs to all of us, and we must not allow a few individuals to turn it into their personal empire.

“I pledge to use every legal avenue available to ensure that my rights, and the sanctity of our union are restored. Together, we must put an end to impunity and ensure that the NUJ serves its true purpose of promoting press freedom, protecting its members, and advancing the cause of journalism in our society.

“I thank my team of lawyers, and colleagues, who stood by me during this trying time. Your solidarity reminds me of the power of unity and the importance of our profession.

“Let this press conference be a clarion call to all members of the Kwara State NUJ: It is time to reclaim our union and rebuild it on the pillars of justice, fairness, and accountability.

“Thank you, and may God guide us in this noble struggle.”

*Omotayo Ayanda* 

Immediate Past Secretary

Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Kwara State Council